The Grand Scottish Lodge of France: A Resilient Pillar of Traditional Freemasonry
Throughout history, humanity has gathered in assemblies to honor their ancestors, explore the cosmos, and pay homage to the Divine. Through these gatherings, they have aimed to raise their temples towards the light.
The Grand Scottish Lodge of France exemplifies the enduring principles of Freemasonry. Its members hail from diverse Masonic backgrounds, united under a shared goal: a return to the roots of Regular Freemasonry.
This commitment draws inspiration from the original Lodges of Kilwinning in Scotland, which date back to the 12th century, as well as from the short-lived Scottish General Grand Lodge established in 1804.
The Lodge fosters a mission that celebrates hard work, chivalric values, and spiritual development, resonating deeply with the hearts of its Brothers. The Grand Scottish Lodge of France extends its reach beyond its home territory, encompassing Triangles and Lodges located in York (UK), Porto (Portugal), Stockholm (Sweden), Malaga (Spain), and North Macedonia.
Through treaties of friendship with Masonic authorities worldwide, the Grand Scottish Lodge ensures a thriving connection with the greater Masonic community.
Within the Lodge, members practice a variety of Rites, including the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (1802), the Rectified Scottish Rite, the French Rite, and the Emulation and Standard Rites of Scotland. Each Mason is dedicated to spiritual growth, guided by the principles of Brotherly Love and a deep respect for their rich Masonic Tradition.
A Declaration of Principles
In a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, the William Shakespeare Lodge in Neuilly, the Light and Humility Lodge in Ajaccio, and the Knight Ramsay Vasconia Lodge in Bordeaux have joined together to form the Grand Scottish Lodge of France.
Recognized as an independent and sovereign Masonic authority, the Grand Scottish Lodge governs the rules and regulations that apply to Lodges seeking its protection within the three grades of symbolic Freemasonry.
The Lodge is rooted in an initiatory fraternity, grounded in faith in a Supreme Being known as the Grand Architect of the Universe. This unifying concept transcends denominational differences and fosters a spirit of inclusivity.
The Freemasons, as men of honor, engage in a continuous spiritual quest guided by their conscience, with the ambition to exemplify moral standards and contribute positively to the betterment of humanity.
Upholding Masonic Values
The Grand Scottish Lodge of France adheres to foundational rules or Landmarks that define its commitment to regularity:
– The Lodge welcomes only free men of sound judgment and good morals.
– Political, religious, or societal discussions are strictly prohibited during assemblies.
– Members commit to respecting the laws and legitimate authorities of the nations where they reside.
– The significance of work in all forms is celebrated, both inside and outside the Lodge.
– The Freemasons dedicate themselves to the Great Architect of the Universe in the presence of the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry, while honoring the customs and ancient Landmarks of the Masonic Order.
– Discretion is upheld, and members refrain from revealing a Brother’s affiliation with the Order.
– While the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of 1802 is the primary focus, the exploration of other Rites is encouraged, provided they align with the Lodge’s principles.
– The Grand Scottish Lodge of France maintains spiritual and fraternal relationships with other Masonic jurisdictions, as well as with the Supreme Scottish Council of France and the Grand Priory of the United Provinces.
As custodians of these timeless values, the Grand Scottish Lodge of France continues to embody the essence of Freemasonry. United in their pursuit of enlightenment and brotherhood, its members aspire to uphold a legacy that binds them to one another and to the noble ideals they cherish. Together, they work toward a brighter future, guided by the principles that define them as men of virtue and integrity.
Celebrating Milestones: The Annual Convention of the Grande Loge Ecossaise de France
The annual convention of the Grande Loge Ecossaise de France, known as the Scottish Grand Lodge of France, took place on December 7, 2024, marking a significant moment for the organization and its members.
This particular event was not just another gathering; it celebrated five years since the lodge’s establishment and reinforced its reputation as “the most American of French Grand Lodges,” a statement echoed by Julius Armstrong, the Grand Master of Virginia and President of SOGLIA.
Each December, the Grande Loge Ecossaise de France hosts a convention, where Masons come together to celebrate their brotherhood and principles.
The 2024 convention had an added layer of significance, as it symbolized the birth of a new era of Masonic regularity, further emphasized by the esteemed presence of the President of SOGLIA and the Grand Chancellor of SOGLIA, alongside distinguished Grand Masters and representatives from various Grand Lodges, including those from Albania and both Congos.
Grande Loge Ecossaise de France – The Annual Convention – December 7, 2024
IMAGE credit: the square magazine Digital Collection (CC BY 4.0)
A pivotal moment during the convention was the announcement of the creation of new districts in Brazil and Africa, emerging from the legacy of the historic lodge, “Maçons du Monde.” This initiative serves as a testament to the belief that Masons, regardless of borders, can unite and work together towards common goals.
In attendance were numerous friendly Masonic authorities, including representatives from the Grand Lodge of the French Masonic Alliance, the Traditional Grand Lodge of France, the Grand Lodge of Free Masons, and Rudyard Kipling Lodge for France.
Notable international guests included the Traditional Grand Lodge of Congo, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Grand Lodge of Congo, the Independent Grand Orient of São Paulo, and the Grand Lodge Mont Olive of Illinois and the Benaiha Sovereign Grand Lodge of Virginia from the United States.
Left: Kevin Glachant – Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Scottish Lodge of France
Centre: Julius Armstrong – President of SOGLIA
Right: Philippe Le Goff – Assistant Grand Master of the Grand Scottish Lodge of France
IMAGE credit: author’s private collection (CC BY 4.0)
Philippe Le Goff, the Assistant Grand Master of the Scottish Grand Lodge of France, highlighted the importance of Masonic instruction at all degrees. He emphasized that the royal art embodies joy and fraternity, reinforcing the notion that Masonic practice should be both serious and joyous.
Grand Master Pierre Bengochea, also the Vice President for Europe of SOGLIA, expressed that the Scottish Grand Lodge of France aims to play a pivotal role in the expanding landscape of regular Masonic organizations, both domestically and internationally.
The successful launch of the Franco-Congolese Fraternity Lodge, led by Worshipful Brother Patrick Bam, marked an important milestone in this international expansion, with new global lodges announced, including the “Maçons du Monde” Lodge for West Africa, guided by Right Worshipful Brother Rustique Guezo, and the “Saint Erick of Sweden” Lodge in Stockholm, under the leadership of Right Worshipful Brother Claude Mabiala.
In an innovative approach, this year’s convention was not only conducted in person but also streamed live, allowing over 300 Brothers from around the world, members of SOGLIA, to participate in this first “phygital” Grand Lodge session—a unique blend of physical and digital attendance.
Reflecting on the event, Pierre Bengochea, Grand Master of the Scottish Grand Lodge of France, remarked on the unique feeling of participating in what he perceives as the dawn of a regular Masonic revival in France, echoing trends observed in South America and the United States.
The convention served as a vibrant reminder of the strength and unity within the Masonic community, transcending borders and cultivating a spirit of fraternity that is essential to their shared pursuits.
Society of Grand Lodges in Alliance (SOGLIA) is a confederation of Grand Freemason Obediences in which all members obey the principles of Regularity. Assembled annually, in different places of the world, in order to share fellowship and to promote Masonic tradition, SOGLIA members are respecting the autonomy of each Grand Lodge.
Article by: Claude Mabiala
Claude Mabiala
Grand Chancelier at Grande Loge Ecossaise de France
https://glef.fr
Recent Articles: of current interest
 Keeping Passions and Prejudices within Due Bounds Master your emotions and find balance in a chaotic world with Darren Allatt's "Keeping Passions and Prejudices within Due Bounds." Discover practical strategies for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and building meaningful relationships. Transform your life with calmness, clarity, and purpose. Start your journey towards emotional mastery today. |
 Masonry in the Age of Leisure - P2 Explore the optimistic future of Masonry in "Masonry in the Age of Leisure" by VVenBro Scott Wisdahl. Delve into the possibilities of a leisure-driven society where technology enhances social bonds, decentralizes the Craft, and reshapes Masonic traditions. Discover how Masonry can thrive in an interconnected, tech-savvy world. |
 Masonry in the Age of Leisure - P1 Embrace the future of Masonry in the Age of Leisure! Imagine an era where technology empowers deeper connections, offering a tapestry of diverse groups united by Freemasonry’s timeless values. Envision hybrid meetings transcending borders, fostering brotherhood across continents. This optimistic future cultivates intellectual growth and social interaction, heralding a Masonic renaissance for all. |
 “Not Just A Man. A Mason”: What Does It Mean? Embrace the profound essence of Freemasonry, not merely a group but a journey of integrity, shaping men of dignity. By adopting virtues such as honesty, justice, and brotherly love, Freemasonry transcends time, urging us towards a dignified life. It’s more than being a man; it’s about living with unyielding dignity. |
 Multiculturism and the Culture of Freemasonry Freemasonry, with its deep roots in universal principles such as individual freedoms, education, and the pursuit of science, stands as a beacon of unity in a world divided by conflicting ideologies. By embracing the tenets of Freemasonry, including respect, peace, and mutual understanding, we can navigate societal challenges and foster a more harmonious world. |
 Embrace the new paradigm of eco-conscious living in the 21st century. Freemasonry, a cornerstone of society, must evolve, placing Nature at its heart. Reject anthropocentrism, embrace deep ecology, and champion sustainable living and global cooperation. Let Freemasonry lead by example, advocating for a world where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. |
 How Freemasonry Has Woven Itself into the Fabric of Society Like the weathered stones of an ancient temple, Freemasonry's origins are shrouded in mystery. This fraternal order has woven invisible threads throughout society's fabric since emerging in the 1600s. Despite declining membership, Freemasonry's influential legacy endures, seen in philanthropy, architecture, and the ideals of legendary members. Though facing challenges, revival remains possible if it adapts traditions to the modern era. |
 AI help in matching mentors with new Freemasons Harnessing AI for Freemasonry Mentorship: A Comparative Analysis. Freemasonry, an age-old fraternity, seeks to enhance its mentorship program by leveraging AI. While the Grand Master suggests detailed member profiles for matching, a Professional Coach emphasizes personality compatibility. Meanwhile, an AI Bot proposes machine learning for pattern recognition. Dive in to explore the potential and pitfalls of each approach. |
 Masonic Charities P.2 – The Shriners Discover the Shriners' legacy within Freemasonry; delve into their profound commitment to philanthropy and see how Masonic Charities demonstrate brotherly love, relief, and truth. Become inspired by the bonds that unite Shriners around the globe and their impactful work in local communities. |
 Freemasonry's commitment to charity has always been a priority and remains a core principle, reflecting its mission to promote brotherly love, relief, and truth in the world. Part 1 of the series gives an introduction to the establishment of the main Masonic Charitable endeavours in the 18th and 19th centuries and several key influencers. |
 Solomon Learning and Development Platform The Intersection of Freemasonry and Technology: Embracing the Digital Age with the New |
 Especial Meeting of United Grand Lodge of England The year 2023 marks the tercentenary of the publication in London of the Constitutions of the Freemasons, based on Enlightenment principles that provide the philosophical foundations of modern Freemasonry. Why are the 1723 Constitutions important? Many Masonic histories have been concerned with ‘when’ and ‘what’. We also explore ‘why?’ |
 Like every other incident of initiation it is in the light of the larger meanings of Freemasonry that we must interpret the Rite of Destitution. But what does it mean? |
|
Society of Grand Lodges in Alliance (SOGLIA) is a confederation of Grand Freemason Obediences in which all members obey the principles of Regularity. Assembled annually, in different places of the world, in order to share fellowship and to promote Masonic tradition, SOGLIA members are respecting the autonomy of each Grand Lodge. |
 Confederation of the Grand Lodges of Europe and the Mediterranean - Universal Freemasonry and its intellectual property are less and less taken into account in the current times of constant movement and unclear future prospects. |
 The Book of Law in Brazilian Freemasonry We are informed that, Freemasonry it is not a religion, but the candidate has a belief in a creative principle, which later, we call the Great Architect of the Universe. - by Fernando Rodrigues de Souza |
 Mike's Masonic Walks And Talks WBro. Mike Neville is a Masonic author and lecturer. He offers walks and talks primarily around London, based on his vast knowledge of the area and his specialist subjects, which cover all aspects of Masonic history. |
 A Masonic lodge is not a service club An address delivered to the 10th Annual Conference of Western Canadian Grand Lodges (1950) in response to the question, "Should Our Western Grand Lodges Sponsor a Specific Program?" By |
 The Order of Bees was established as a youth initiative for the boys and girls of Prince Hall Freemasons, and symbolises the relationship existing between the activities of the youth and the family of bees. |
 The Confederación Masónica Interamericana (CMI) was founded in 1947, is a non-profit organization that groups together 92 Great Masonic Powers, admitted as members and distributed in 26 countries in South, Central, North, Caribbean and Europe. |
 This smartphone app is designed to work with all Freemasons from both Regular and Independent Grand Lodges around the world. |
 The American Federation of Feminine Freemasonry (FAMAF) is an organization that brings together Grand Lodges, Grand Orients and Confederations of Feminine Masonic Grand Lodges from the American continent. |
 The third largest Masonic Alliance of independent grand lodges, which currently has over 500,000 members in the world and an incredible resource of "good people with a good reputation" from around the world. |
 A Guiding Paw - my faithful 'brethren' A heart-warming story of one Mason's best friends – and how Gary's faithful guide dogs have helped fulfil both his Masonic life but also his valuable work in public service. |
 A visit to the Mother Lodge of Scotland Let me take you to the heart of Scotland to meet our Brethren of the Mother Lodge of Scotland, a journey into one of Freemasonry's deepest roots. Our guide Carlos Oliveira Santos who is from |
 An introduction to VEREINIGTE GROSSLOGEN von Deutschland / UNITED GRAND LODGES of Germany |
 International Masonic Union CATENA An international association of Grand Lodges and independent Lodges, with all true Masonic traditions, which adhere to the basic principles of the equal standing of men and women in Freemasonry |
 Social Impact of Prince Hall Freemasonry in D.C., 1825-1900. Alonza Tehuti Evans discusses Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded by African Americans. |
 Who are the Widows Sons, and what do they do, and how can you join ? |
 For the first time in its 300 year history UGLE has published an Annual Review |
 Founded in 1919 and named after the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, this International Order has helped young boys become great men. |
 9th International Conference of Freemasonry Hidden Meanings: Esotericism and Masonic Connections |
 An introduction to CLIPSAS and we look at who are they and what do they do |
 The title of this article will seem somewhat of an oxymoron, because at this precise moment you, most likely a Freemason, is reading this |
 Music can make you either remember everything or forget everything! They even call it the 'rhythm' of life because life does have a beat, a rhythm, a song! Music is equally important for Freemasons. |
 Young Masons' Inter-Club Virtual Social An initiative was created to initially keep Brethren engaged in their Masonry whilst the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic are in place. |
 I've heard people say that we don't have heroes |
 What can we learn from Steve Jobs' address given at Stanford in 2005 |
 Open Lectures on Freemasonry as a series of monthly online lectures that aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of research into Freemasonry. The lectures are open to anyone who is interested. |
 What Kind of Library Do You Have? Many Brothers have no clue as to what kind of "Craft" library they actually have in their home or office. Most of these Brothers don’t care that they don't know – so, what kind of library do you have? |
 Russian Freemasonry a combination of a short sketch of its history and a review of the present-day Masonic landscape in this country |
 A brief outline showing the differences and similarities within Freemasonry |
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
